The new Macs utilizing the Apple (Silicon) M1 Arm Chip are truly outstanding for Podcasters. I purchased the Mac Mini, fully loaded with a 2tb harddrive and 16gb of RAM. The increase in speed over the 2018 Mac Mini is dramatic and substantial. For unoptimized programs such as Adobe Audition, waiting times for effects, file saving and copying blew me a way. I’m not much of a video editor, but using iMovie to edit my videos, has resulted in dramatic decreases in rendering times. I estimate that this computer will save me between 50 - 100 hours per year. Even at $100 per hour, the computer more than pays for its $1800 cost. I can’t even imagine what the M1X is going to be like. Unlike many other purchases, I haven’t experienced a moment of buyers remorse.

The New Macs Are A Game Changer For Podcasters - #75

I was having loads of problems dealing with Skype! during the pandemic. Seems like the call quality had just deteriorated past the point of no return. Video quality was way off, so after participating in a high quality Zoom call, my decision was made. I made the switch. Now I don't like platforms where you can't initiate the call to your guest, which you certainly can't do on Zoom. However, it's great calendar integration made up for some of that control. The quality of their video interface is excellent and their screen flow, where you can set the call to record the video of the person speaking, among other options. So I took the plunge and am happy I did. Skype! does have a few advantages though, their technology for preventing cross-talk is superior as is their ability to block out feed back during a call. But all things considered, Zoom is the better platform.

Why I Dumped Skype! for Zoom - VP#74

It's one thing to find your voice, it's another matter to hear it. Recently, I learned how to self-aircheck myself. I had delegated my editing chores to my my producer Melissa. When I started a new daily show, I needed to get my shows posted within 15 minutes of completion. This led to me back to the editor's chair and it has helped my overall show greatly. I got to see my mistakes and correct them first hand. And I found my things I could be doing better. It's a great feedback loop that has helped me grow. And it will help you too. I promise.

Finding Your Voice and Learning to Listen to It - VP #75 13.Jul.20

June 7, 2020 marked 9 years since I became a full-time professional podcaster. It took me 4 years to start earning a 6 figure income. Here's a few things that you can do to get it done faster. First, hire a coach to help you air-check and up your game. Produce the highest production values you are capable of. Your audience deserves it! Keep improving and find your voice. Once you've found it, start listening to it. You'll be amazed at how fast you'll progress. And of course, whether you're already podcasting or just starting out, make a business plan to compute your break-even point and put a value on your time and services. Then set goals and watch your show take off.

9 Years and 7000 Podcast Episodes - Show #73

Interview based shows know only too well that the quality of your show is often limited by the quality of the audio connection. If you're using Skype to Skype domestically, sound quality issues are usually minimal. The problem occurs when you're going Skype to Cellphone, Skype to VOIP or Skype to Landline. Fortunately, the folks at Rode thought of almost everything when they released their Rodecaster Pro. And much of what they didn't think of, they've fixed in their firmware updates.Your cellphone can be paired with the Rodecaster to enable wireless communication through the mixing board with your guest. But there is a quality issue. While it's certainly better than Skype, it still leaves much to be desired. That's why I tried a hardwire connection using a TRRS cable with a 3.5mm male jack that plugs into the Rodecaster. If you're using an iPhone with a Lightning jack, you will need an adapter, which is available on Amazon. The sound quality improvement was amazing. The connections extremely clear and if you're going Verizon to Verizon, you'll get near HD quality. I'll never use bluetooth again unless I have to. Next show, we'll discuss Ecamm Live software with green screen/blue screen capabilities. My book is available on Amazon. Email us with your questions at kl@kerrylutz.com. Happy Podcasting!

Never Have A Crappy Phone Interview Again  #72

Every now and then a piece of equipment is created that has the ability to change an industry. While the Roadcaster Pro may not quite be in that category, it can help even the most green podcaster sound like a pro. It has a suite of features, including professional effects, bluetooth pairing of your phone, computer and mixer and sound pads to easily mix in those great sound effects. You might not need them all or even most of them, but you’ll come to view the Roadcaster Pro as invaluable to your podcast efforts as I do. And the ducking effect means you’ll never have another guest talk over you again. It’s truly worth every bit of the $599 it cost. I’m sure you’ll agree.

Unbeatable Podcasting The Rodecaster Pro and the Cloud 44A  #71

With the spread of Coronavirus, everyone is shifting and changing. It’s time to be a leader in these troubled times. A lot of things are shifting. Podcasting is one communicaiton option. There are many, video, writing articles and live events. Podcasting is an incredible option, especially now that being physically around people isn’t going to be an option. If you’re working from home or lost your job and you have a message, then podcasting could be an option. Will the current conditions lead to a large influx of podcasters? You should start by listening to podcasts. Find the types of shows you like and the topics that bring out your passion. Then you’ll have a direction and a focus. Start with a vision of what you want it to be as a finished product. Having clarity on your why will help all the other pieces fall into place.

Podcasting in the Era of Coronavirus - Ben Kreuger #70

I rave about my Cloud 44a Microphone. It's the successor to the orginal RCA 44a microphone from the 1940's. They are actually using the tooling and fabrication of the ribbon that was used in the original. Then add to that built-in Cloud Lifter preamp and you've got an active ribbon microphone that has unparalleled warmth and depth. It's expensive, retailing at $1599, but I was fortunate to pick-up two of them - very gently used for much less. It was truly love at first site/recording. The mic is so good that it requires very little post-processing, such as dreesser and multi-bank compressor. Truly an amazing find!

Is the Cloud 44A the Greatest Podcasting Microphone of All Time - MicrophoneViral Pod #69

Just got back from Podfest. An amazing show that keeps on getting better and better. We actually exhibited there. We’re now offering full podcast editing services. We’ve been doing it informally for years now and figured it was a good time to help people out with their podcast. Also discussed yet again the value of airchecking, getting an third party to listen to your show and provide feedback. I’ve been doing it ever since I got started, nearly 7000 episodes ago. It will really help you out a log in your podcasting career.Finally, don’t forget that business plan. No matter what stage of podcasting you’re in, having a business plan will help you set goals and learn what you need to do to monetize. And make sure you get my book at Amazon, Viral Podcasting: A Proven Process to Earn 6 Figures from Your Show.

Podfest 2020 - Viral Podcasting #68

Ann Bernard started The #365FirstsChallenge as a journey of adding new experiences, actions, and things into your life—that you’ve never done before. It’s a process of enhancing the way you live and squeezing all that you can out of life. Experiencing a wide mixtures of firsts will impact who you are and shape how you continue to live your life. It’s about change and stepping into the unknown. Reconnecting with your childlike mindset. Opening your mind, tapping in your creativity, self-discovery, stepping out of your comfort zones, facing you fears, learning, and growing. And thus the podcast was born. Make sure you check out our book on amazon Viral Podcasting: A Proven Process to Earn 6 Figures From Your Show.

Challenge Yourself 365 Days Per Year with Ann Bernard #67

Naresh Vissa joined us today. When it comes to marketing and monetization, the two go hand-in-hand. Using digital marketing you can turbo-charge your podcast listenership. It means uploading your podcast to multiple platforms. Getting your show out there. And define your niche. Narrow-casting focusing on a particular subject to hone in on your audience’s interest. You want to be an early mover in your niche to maximize your audience. You have to be in it for the long-haul. Commitment and consistency are crucial, especially in the beginning. Fresh and new content is key. When you get started, always release multiple episodes for the first few months. This is actually a case where quantity can be as important as quality. Then scale back to one episode per week. Be passionate and love what you’re doing, have a plan and watch what happens.

Marketing and Monetization - Naresh Vissa #67

The digital economy went bust in 2001. Companies started seeking better more cost-effective ways of doing business. Now you can outsource everything, services and manufacturing, etc. It’s more efficient and improves the bottom line. When the next recession hits, it will be the next transformation of the global economy. Naresh is seeing it with his own business, his services have displaced employees and has increased client capabilities. The need to attend trade shows is diminshing. Their cost is making companies seek other web-based solutions. Online events and summits are becoming dominant. You’re no longer limited by space and geography. 

When Digital Economics Strikes the Home and the Office - Naresh Vissa

Heather Havenwood was always different. While her friends in Texas were simply looking to get married and have a family, she always wanted to be an entrepreneur. She teamed up with a person she thought was trustworthy. They were succeeding beyond her expectations and then the unthinkable happened. Her partner absconded with all their company's assets, leaving Heather holding the bag. This led her to bankruptcy and couch surfing for many months. Finally, she went to an old mentor and asked the question, "Where did I go wrong." The answer was, you were too busy running the show to concern yourself with the really important issues. Today, she's successful and helping other female entrepreneurs to get their start. Truly an inspiration.

Battling Back from Financial Ruin - Heather Havenwood

Paul Gibbons is a fellow podcaster using science and philosophy to further his audience’s knowledge. He’s opinionated and very secure in his beliefs, but that doesn’t mean he’s not open-minded. He’s willing to look at the facts and change his opinion when required. We talked about why media figures on the right succeed while those on the left fail. As I stated, “It’s not the message, it’s the messenger.” People connect with their favorite media figures and may or may not buy into their message. Paul, unlike most of his political grouping, acknowledges that Donald Trump is a genius of messaging and connecting with his followers. We could all learn a lot from POTUS 45 in that regard.

21st Century Renaissance Man and Podcaster - Paul Gibbons Episode #64

Lunide Louis has a gift and she decided to share it with an audience. But she didn't have one. So she started a podcast with very ambitious audience goals and so far she's exceeded. But her morning wake-up and goal setting program looks like a winner and that's why we're bringing here to you. We're trying some of her specific action steps. If you do too, please let us know how they work out for you. 

Crushing Podcasting with Goal Setting - Lunide Louis #65

You know that we're big believers in the constant quest to upgrade our equipment. Two recent additions have made a meaningful contribution to the quality of our shows and the ability to facilitate and expedite our workflow. First we purchased a slightly used Shure KSM 313 Microphone. This Red and Black microphone while being very attractive utilizes  a Roswellite rare earth metal ribbon to capture sound. It's most useful for musicians, but it's also a great podcasting mic. The ribbon is great for picking up voice, but doesn't pick is limited in its ability to pick up breaths. So if you're a heavy breathing podcaster, this could do the trick. Until something better comes along, we're hooked.Next is my 43" curved Samsung monitor. When it comes to workflow, this monitor is a godsend. It measures approximately 14" x 43" and has a slight radius. The beauty of this monitor is that it allows for three windows to be open, side by side at the same time. This makes editing documents, audio or video files a snap. It really helps declutter your desktop. I purchased it almost new on eBay for around $550, including shipping. It comes in a behemoth of a box, but is really quite simple to setup. Once you've got it set up the way you like it, you'll never go back to boxy monitors again. Our continuous effort to improve is always reaping dividends. Stayed tuned for our next giant leap forward.

Viral Podcast - New Equipment, New Capabilities #63 21.Aug.19

I've often preached the virtues of consistency, while not adhering to them myself. Finally, I decided to put my foot down and force myself to comply. I'm now doing 10 segments per month and have figured out that my producer can simply auto post them at 9am every morning. It's an easy system and it's working. It's one thing to produce the episodes, but it's quite another to actually release them on a schedule. But, it's not that easy. Now I do my show notes and the episodes are ready to go. If you're doing a weekly show, you need to release the show on a specific day at a regular time. Can you imagine if tv shows were released whenever they felt like it? There would be chaos on the air. So now I'm committed. Can you commit?

Viral Podcast -I Finally Found Out How to Be Consistent #62

Ben Kreuger of www.cashflowpodcasting.com joined us and together we explored the evolution of a professional podcaster. Some people start out on a lark and find they have found their calling. Others start out with a distinct brand and business and realize that podcasting can help them to greatly leverage their business. It doesn't really matter how you get there, but Ben believes that once you become an advocate for your audience, you've made the transition. Eventually, if you keep at it, eventually you'll become a professional. And once you're there, you've developed the skills to keep it going. It's a process that unfolds over time. Are you ready to become a professional podcaster?

Ben Kreuger - Become A Professional Podcaster  #61

Kevin Dumont has always been a rebel. With some people, it's just the way they're wired. But not in a negative sense, but rather someone who doesn't go along with the crowd. His investment philosophy is really quite simple, look for gains but always avoid losses. That's rather non-traditional in the current economic cycle. It's a strategy for long term success. That's how his podcast was born, out of a desire to afford investors complete transparency while giving them opportunities to invest for the long term. While his podcast is relatively new, he's been quickly gaining traction. Evidently, listeners enjoy hearing the unvarnished truth and are always in the mood the increase their knowledge base. And that's what podcasting is all about.

Kevin Dumont - Rebel With A Cause #60

Darren Paltrowitz was a veteran of the music business. Now he podcasts about the business and interviews many music celebs. We discuss a wide variety of issues facing podcasters and go into the business’s highs and lows. Perhaps of most help to those looking to build their podcasts is our in depth discussion of interviewing do’s and don’ts. Darren is a skilled interviewer with many, many interviews under his belt. We talk about disinterested interviewees, detached complacent subjects and how to take them out of their comfort zone. It’s all fun and part of what makes a successful podcaster. And Darren explains how he gets free trips and access to VIP Events.

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